President Donald Trump revealed efforts are underway to reclaim a strategically significant airfield in Afghanistan, which was relinquished during what he described as President Joe Biden's catastrophic withdrawal.
Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized the importance of regaining control over the airbase, once the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan during the two-decade-long presence. The base fell into Taliban hands in 2021 after Afghan forces, to whom the U.S. had transferred control, capitulated without resistance, allowing the release of numerous Taliban fighters.
"We're trying to get it back...we want that base back," Trump stated, highlighting its proximity to China's nuclear weapons facilities as a key reason for its strategic importance.
As reported by the Daily Caller, the Taliban has sought to mend ties with the United States following the 2021 withdrawal. However, the method by which the U.S. plans to reclaim the airfield remains uncertain.
In a notable development, White House Envoy Adam Boehler engaged with the Taliban in March to negotiate the release of American hostage George Glezmann. This marked the first official U.S. interaction with the Taliban since Kabul's fall in 2021.
According to Fox News, the Taliban's discussions with Boehler included topics such as "developing bilateral relations between the two countries, issues related to citizens, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan." The Biden administration's withdrawal strategy faced widespread condemnation for resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and 13 U.S. service members.
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